Quitting drugs or alcohol may trigger withdrawal symptoms, prompting many people to ask, “How long can withdrawal symptoms last?”

Going through withdrawal is a unique experience that varies significantly based on the substance, dosage, duration of use, and individual health factors. Physical withdrawal typically lasts 3 to 5 days, while psychological and emotional withdrawal can linger for much longer, sometimes months.

Drug withdrawal symptoms may include depression, anxiety, insomnia, and suicidal ideation alongside physical symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, insomnia, tremors, and rapid heart rate. Severe alcohol withdrawal cases may require medical intervention for potentially life-threatening DTs (delirium tremens) that may involve seizures, hallucinations, and convulsions.

In this guide, we will cover the timeline of withdrawal from alcohol and various drugs. You will also discover the best steps toward safe detoxing and effective treatment.

Why Does Withdrawal Happen?

Withdrawal develops when a person stops using a substance that their body and brain are accustomed to functioning with. Sustained drug use alters brain chemistry, particularly in the areas that control mood, reward, and stress management. When drugs or alcohol are consistently used to maintain euphoria or cope with difficult emotions, the brain becomes both psychologically and physically reliant on the substance for regulation. If the user suddenly stops or even significantly decreases their intake, withdrawal symptoms can emerge as the body struggles to regain equilibrium.

Beyond physical dependence, social, environmental, and gender-specific factors influence withdrawal severity. A study showed that adolescent females struggling with substance use are more likely to experience homelessness, use multiple substances administered by injection, and share equipment with a partner. Young men, on the other hand, are more likely to use cannabis, which may present different withdrawal challenges, such as prolonged psychological cravings and mood instability.

These social and environmental risk factors can heighten emotional distress during withdrawal and increase the likelihood of complications. The lack of support, particularly for young people in drug-using environments, can further exacerbate withdrawal symptoms and increase the odds of relapse.

Because withdrawal experiences vary based on substance type, duration of use, gender, and personal circumstances, medical supervision is essential to manage symptoms safely and support long-lasting recovery.

Withdrawal Timelines

Withdrawal timelines differ based on the substance, usage patterns, and individual factors. While these timelines provide general insights, personal experiences may vary considerably.

Drug Withdrawal Timeline

How long does withdrawal last – depends largely on the substance in question.

• Opioids: Opioid withdrawal symptoms from short-acting opioids typically begin within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose, peak at around 72 hours, and start subsiding within a week. Long-acting opioids might have a delayed onset of symptoms.
• Benzodiazepines: Withdrawal from short-acting benzodiazepines can start within 1 to 4 days, peak in intensity after about a week, and gradually improve over several weeks. Long-acting benzodiazepines can have a more gradual onset and longer duration of symptoms.
• Stimulants: Withdrawal from stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines often leads to a crash within hours to days, followed by a longer period of low mood, fatigue, and increased sleep.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

How long does alcohol withdrawal last may vary, but typically follows this timeline:

• 6 to 12 hours: Mild symptoms may present, including anxiety, insomnia, and shaky hands.
• 24 to 48 hours: Symptoms can intensify, with hallucinations, increased heart rate, and higher blood pressure.
• 48 to 72 hours: Severe cases might experience delirium tremens, characterized by confusion, fever, seizures, and hallucinations.
• 3 to 5 days: Symptoms generally begin to decrease, but mood disturbances and cravings might persist.
• 1 to 2 weeks: Physical symptoms often subside, while psychological symptoms like depression and anxiety might linger.

Symptoms of Withdrawal

Now that you know how long withdrawal is, what symptoms can you expect? Common withdrawal symptoms include:

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, chills, sweating, tremors, and headaches. Many people experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can make the detox process challenging, often requiring medical support for comfort and safety.

Psychological Symptoms

Emotional and psychological symptoms might include anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.

Sleep Disturbances

Insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns are common during withdrawal. This symptom is particularly concerning, as a lack of sleep contributes to drug-seeking behavior and frequent relapse.

Cravings

Intense cravings for the substance can persist, making the process challenging.

Appetite Changes

Appetite fluctuations, ranging from increased hunger to reduced interest in food, can occur during the withdrawal process.

Fatigue

Profound tiredness and lack of energy are often experienced during drug or alcohol withdrawal. This symptom can also be attributed to the prevalence of poor sleep or sleep disturbances during withdrawal.

Cognitive Changes

The chemical alterations that drugs can have on the brain can cause both short and long-term cognitive issues, including confusion, memory problems, and difficulty making decisions.

Physical Sensations

Some people might experience physical sensations such as tingling, numbness, or heightened sensitivity.

Mood Swings

Drugs and alcohol both intensely affect mood regulation, making the adjustment period incredibly challenging when use stops. Emotional instability and rapid mood changes are common during drug or alcohol detox.

Hallucinations and Delirium

In severe cases, hallucinations and delirium can occur, especially during alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal.

Suicidal Thoughts

Some individuals might experience heightened thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you or someone you care for are struggling with suicidal ideation, seek help from a medical professional right away.

Remember that withdrawal experiences are individualized, and not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. How long withdrawal lasts, as well as the presentation of symptoms, can vary widely based on the factors outlined above. Seek professional guidance and medical supervision during withdrawal to manage symptoms safely and receive the most effective and appropriate support.

Treatment for Withdrawals

Withdrawal from substances often requires medical and psychological interventions to manage symptoms and support the individual’s journey toward recovery. The type of treatment depends on the substance, severity of withdrawal, and individual needs.

• Medication: Medical professionals might prescribe medications to alleviate specific withdrawal symptoms. For instance, FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine or methadone can help manage opioid withdrawal, while benzodiazepines might be used for alcohol withdrawal.
• Medical monitoring: Severe withdrawal cases, primarily from alcohol or certain drugs, may need close medical supervision in a detoxification facility or hospital setting. This can help manage potentially dangerous symptoms and complications.
• Therapy: Psychological support is key during the withdrawal process. Behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of withdrawal.
• Holistic approaches: Complementary therapies, such as yoga, mindfulness, and nutritional support, can contribute to overall well-being during the withdrawal process.
• Gradual tapering: For certain substances, a gradual reduction in dosage under medical supervision can help minimize withdrawal symptoms.
• Inpatient or outpatient programs: Depending on the severity of withdrawal and personal circumstances, individuals might benefit from inpatient detox programs or outpatient support.

Consulting with healthcare providers or addiction specialists can guide individuals towards the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific needs.

Withdrawal | FAQs

When Do Withdrawal Symptoms Start?

Withdrawal symptoms can start as early as a few hours after stopping the substance. In other cases, it may take up to 24 hours before withdrawal symptoms noticeably develop.

How Long Do Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

How long withdrawal symptoms last depends on the substance used, the duration of its use, dosage, and biological factors that are impacted by overall health and metabolism. Generally speaking, withdrawal can last between 4 to 10 days, but some individuals may experience lingering symptoms for several weeks or even months, especially in cases of severe addiction.

How Long Does Opioid Withdrawal Last?

Depending on the type of opioid, withdrawal can last between 3-10 days. Symptoms typically peak within the first 72 hours. In severe cases, physical withdrawal symptoms may persist for more than two weeks, but psychological symptoms can linger for much longer.

How Long Does Adderall Withdrawal Last?

Adderall withdrawal duration depends on factors like usage patterns, type of Adderall (ex: XR vs IR), and individual factors. However, acute symptoms typically peak within the first week, and most physical symptoms subside by week two or three.

How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?

As a short-acting synthetic opioid, fentanyl is extremely potent but typically has a shorter withdrawal timeline. Symptoms can be severe, lasting around one to two weeks. However, some psychological effects of fentanyl withdrawal may persist for weeks, emphasizing the importance of professional intervention and treatment.

Get Treatment for Alcohol & Drug Withdrawal at Gratitude Lodge

Whether you require assistance detoxing from alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications, Gratitude Lodge in Southern California offers a variety of comprehensive medical detox programs. We have pet-friendly treatment facilities located in Long Beach and Newport Beach, CA that are dedicated to your whole-body addiction recovery.

Access medications and continuous clinical and emotional care as you withdraw from drugs or alcohol as comfortably and safely as possible at one of our beachside centers. Following detox, you can move into ongoing inpatient treatment. Take advantage of personalized treatment that draws from interventions such as:

• Medication-assisted treatment
• Psychotherapy (CBT and DBT)
• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapies
• Aftercare support

Call 844-576-0144 when you are ready to withdraw from drugs or alcohol and then engage with ongoing inpatient treatment.

Sources

1. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medication-assisted-treatment-mat
2. https://heal.nih.gov/news/stories/suvorexant-eases-withdrawal#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20symptoms%20is,people%20with%20substance%20use%20disorders.
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459239/#:~:text=Withdrawal%20syndromes%20occur%20when%20the,substance%20and%20duration%20of%20use.